On Wednesday, April 5th, more than 70 people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners gathered at Russell Medical’s Professional Services Building in the Hardee Meeting Room.
The event featured many local resources for nearby residents, and members of the Sylacauga and Auburn Support Groups also were in attendance for the event.
Attendees were able to hear from Russell Medical’s Paula Davenport and Kimberly Carter who provided attendees with many exciting updates on the expansion of Russell Medical’s new endeavors, including a new independent living community. Brooklyn White, Program Director and Care Navigator for the Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) followed with a presentation about how the PAA can provide resources through www.parkinsonalabama.info and care navigation services. Cara Holt, Tidwell Fitness & Wellness Coordinator led the group in some key movement and exercises as well.
Lunch was catered by the Wharf restaurant and attendees were provided with an update from Senior Director of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation, Stacey Faber. She was followed by the keynote speaker and author, Greg Ritscher’s presentation which provided optimism, hope and encouragement to fellow attendees living with Parkinson’s. Attendees were also treated to FREE, autographed copies of his book, “Rising Above Parkinson’s.”
The day concluded with Carolyn Goza-Harris, facilitator for the Central Alabama Support Group and Kat West, facilitator for the Auburn Sylacauga Support Group sharing their own personal journeys with Parkinson’s and providing an overview of the programs and activities each of their support groups provide.
All in all, the day was packed full with content during this four-hour event. It was truly made possible by head coordinator, Steve Sain and his right arm and daughter, Monica Sain who provided the coordination and funding to support the event.
If your support group would be interested in hosting a similar regional seminar on Parkinson’s in your area, please contact PAA Director of Programs, Brooklyn White at brooklyn@parkinsonalabama.org. Currently, we are working on a plan to host a Parkinson's seminar in Gadsden in September.
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